Pan-fried Chickpea Salad Recipe

I did my best to sneak off to Japan for two weeks without you noticing, and let me start by saying, it is still very much winter there. Rain, sleet, snow, and morning mist all made commendable appearances. One of the first things I did upon arrival in Tokyo was invest in a serious umbrella. It seems no one in Tokyo shelters themselves from the elements with less than a four-foot span. My pocket umbrella was laughable. Needless to say, I can't wait to share some of the highlights and photos with you. The bad news is that it might take me a week or so to organize the photos (and links) of the places we visited. In the meantime, I thought I'd share a simple chickpea salad. This was the first thing I cooked when I got home. A chickpea salad might seem an odd way to get things going in the kitchen again, but a day before we left San Francisco I cooked up a big pot of chickpeas. We didn't put a dent in them, and I tossed them in the freezer before we walked out the door. I don't normally freeze beans, but was happy to see them when I got home, and they held up beautifully. After a quick trip to the farmers market I pan-fried the chickpeas with some baby leeks and a bit of garlic. I used a creamy dressing made with plain yogurt and curry powder, and finished off the salad with plenty of chopped cilantro and chopped red onion. It's a substantial salad, flecked with plenty of color, and I love the way nuttiness of the chickpeas play off the tangy curry-spiked dressing.

You can add all sorts of things to this salad depending on the season - sliced green beans, asparagus, or broccoli florets (all blanched) might be good choices. Or simply add a bit of sauteed spinach. I almost opted out of the curry approach at the last minute, seduced by some vibrant broccoli I picked up along with the leeks at the market. I was thinking that a lemony-broccoli pesto would be a great dressing in place of the curried yogurt. Or how about a version of this salad using Thai curry paste instead of Indian curry powder? In this scenario I might skim some of the coconut cream off the top of a can of coconut milk and use that in place of the yogurt - again thinning it with warm water, coconut water, or broth. If I'm going to make this an entire one-pan meal I might through in some tofu or black lentils for that little extra boost of protein.

Pan-fried Chickpea Salad Recipe

If you are pinched for time, you can certainly skip the browning of the chickpeas - just skip adding any leeks altogether and add the chopped garlic and the lemon zest to the yogurt dressing. The only ingredient I would add to this version the next time around would be a handful of toasted, slivered almonds. Just a hint of sweetness, toasty nut flavor, and lots of crunch. You can use canned chickpeas, but chickpeas cooked from dried beans are infinitely better tasting, and the texture much better.

Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet and add the chickpeas. Saute over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they start getting a bit golden in color. Stir in the leeks and cook until the chickpeas are more golden and the leeks have browned a bit as well, roughly 7 - 10 minutes total. At the last minute stir in the garlic and the lemon zest. Remove from heat, and set aside.

While the chickpeas cool (I like to serve this salad at room temperature), make the yogurt dressing by combining the yogurt, curry powder, and salt in a small bowl. If you need to thin it out a bit, particularly if you are using Greek yogurt, whisk in warm water a tablespoon at a time. Taste, adjust, and set aside.

When you are ready to serve the salad, toss the chickpea mixture with most of the cilantro and most of the chopped red onion. Add about 1/2 of the yogurt dressing and toss again. If you like more dressing, keep adding until you are pleased. Serve on a platter sprinkled with the remaining onions and cilantro.

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Maranui Surf Club Salad
Inspired by a visit to the Maranui Surf Club in Wellington, New Zealand. This chickpea salad recipe combines a big bowl of roasted winter squash, garbanzo beans, cilantro, and red onions with a quick coconut curry dressing.

Heidi,
I'll probably dream about this tonight, it looks so delicious! I have some lovely broccolini to contribute, and I think I'll try the Thai curry paste instead of powder. Thanks for these simple, satisfying veg meal ideas!

Would it be silly to use canned chick-peas with this? I'm such a pansy about soaking beans overnight. I invariably forget about them and rediscover then a week later when they are covered with fuzzy green spots.

I plan to make this tonight. Is it too late to prep dried beans? I thought I'd have my husband put them in water at home (9am now) and cook them later on this afternoon after they soak.

HS: Looks like I'm the one who is late for a reply! I typically soak beans overnight, or overnight plus....but you can get away with a shorter soak. I think 5-6 hours is the recommended minimum, but there are a couple no-soak bean cooking techniques out there.

Lovely, simple dish. I can see why you'd reach for it as soon as you stepped in the door.
We made a similar dish on the weekend at the cottage--so tasty! I would recommend, for another variation, dropping the curry powder and adding mint instead of cilantro. Delicious! Thank goodness for perfect chickpeas.

A woman after my own heart! This recipe looks like something I would want to eat any day of the week. I love chickpeas, and the yogurt dressing with curry sounds wonderful.

March 12, 2009

Dale

Welcome back! I just came back from visiting my daughter in San Francisco, I miss all the fresh veggies out there... cant wait to go back. just on my way to the store to try your salad cant wait to try. Enjoy the sunshine.

Looks like a great recipe and I cannot wait to try! Quick question, though, I am curious as to how you froze your beans? I tend to over make them sometimes and always thought I would try freezing. Do you just stick them in a big ziploc? Or do you have to freeze them on a sheet pan first, for separation, like you would with fruit? Love to know!
Thanks...

HS: I don't bother with the sheet pan, I just make sure they are as dry as possible before bagging them - before they go in the freezer.

March 12, 2009

Rose

Perfect! I'm making this for lunch. I love chickpea salads and haven't even thought of adding yogurt/curry powder to it.

I don't know which version to try--they all sound fantastic, and I love the pan-frying of the beans. What do you think of roasting (my favorite for vegetables) them with a little olive oil and kosher salt?

HS: That would totally work :) I'd go lighter on the dressing though....

This is beautiful. I cannot wait to see your pics from Japan -- a place I have always wanted to go. Were you there for business or pleasure?

March 12, 2009

Courtney

Thanks Heidi, this looks great. I made the Maranui Surf Club Salad last week after forgetting about it for faaaaar too long and it was a huge hit. This looks similar and also easy, and I recently picked up dried chickpeas so I'll do it the proper way--no cans! Can't wait to experiment with the dressings--might be great with something tahini as well...

This looks delicious! I also can't wait to see your pictures from Japan, I loved it there!

March 12, 2009

ocho

damn girl. damn.

March 12, 2009

Nina

This looks simply wonderful. Anyone have suggestions for a substitution for the yogurt for those of us who avoid dairy?

I was happy to see coconut oil in the ingredients. I love that stuff and use it now for everything. I don't know if you've tried it, but putting about 1 part umeboshi paste to 8 parts coconut oil makes a fabulous butter substitute, great on veggies especially.

Heidi, thanks for your recipes, I look forward to them each week.

March 12, 2009

Mrs Redboots

Looks delicious - here in the UK you can (and I do) actually buy frozen chickpeas.

What curry powder do you use? British supermarkets spoil you for choice with different blends (and using a powder is sneered at by British foodies anyway - you're supposed to mix your own blends! Life is too short, but I have at least three different blends in my kitchen).

And I have issues with using coconut oil, as it is full of saturated fat, which I try to avoid; can you recommend a substitute?

I absolutely love chick peas and will definitely try this recipe. Thanks!

March 12, 2009

Catherine Chandler

Must be a garbonzo bean wavelength circulating....I made a very similar version of this several days ago with celery and raisins and fresh ginger. I always love your take (or should I save 'give') on the ingredients you choose. I thought of you when I was making this salad.

So looking forward to reading/seeing your Tokyo travel posts. Your efforts are an inspiration; do you think, as I do, that you have the perfect job?

I've just returned from a 2 week vacation to plan some meals for the family and a shopping list for the bare pantry...and you were the first place I turned to. I've added your supernatural recipe search to my blog...and love that when I type in brussels sprouts to try it out, your golden crusted sprouts recipe is first in line...my 2 and 4 year olds ask for it regularly. I'd love to be added to your supernatural recipe search friends list...I'm especially proud since it's the first time I've figured out how to insert a widget. Thanks!

March 12, 2009

Brenda

LOL. I made a version of this a few days ago. Actually, it was a chickpea version of your lentil almond dish. I carmelized red onions and mushrooms. Then added brussel sprouts. Removed from pan. Then sauteed the chickpeas until they had a nice crust, then added everything else back.

March 12, 2009

slowcycle

I ate a version of this dish in grad school all the time, with canned beans, thanks for reminding me!

March 12, 2009

Gillian

I always freeze legumes in zippered bags, flat and make a point of recommending it to people. it allows me to thaw just a small amount and put the rest back.

March 12, 2009

Thi Thi

Delicious Chickpea Salad !!!!!
Greeting from Thailand. But I am Myanmar. Yours is similar to Myanmar food. So, I miss Myanmar when I saw your Chickpea Salad.

March 12, 2009

Hollie

Wow! this looks like it would taste better the next day?! Would it last a couple days for lunches in the fridge? Maybe toss on top of baby spinach and baby romaine for a neat salad or toss in a wrap? mmm and cumin sounds dee-ish, maybe even some smoked paprika?

HS: I've been eating leftovers for days! And love your idea for using it in wraps.

Well it worked to put the beans on earlier in the day. I made this last night and my husband and I both REALLY liked it. I mostly doubled it and found the raw red onion a little biting, so I might reduce or else cook next time with the leeks. I liked it with and without a splash of balsamic vinegar and of course my husband puts Sriracha on everything :) and liked it a lot. This is a definite have again and filled us up for the evening as our meal.

March 13, 2009

Trish in MO

Do I dare insult you with the question of.. can I used canned chickpeas? Or would those be best left for some humus? That's what I bought them for, thinking I could make my own hummus, and I couldn't find dried chickpeas in a bag.

March 13, 2009

Trish in MO

Whoa.. my brain is not working, as you can tell. If I would have READ the blurb before the ingredients in the recipe, I would have seen I could use canned.

OK, next question.. what is a good substitute for cilantro? I like it, but only when the mood strikes. My husband really takes convincing. Thanks!

March 13, 2009

whitney

I love hearing your travel recommendations. Can you do a top ten list of your home, San Fran?

HS: This has been on my to-do list for so long it's embarrassing.

March 13, 2009

kim

I had to buy one of those huge semi-transparent umbrellas they sell at 7-11's while in Tokyo. Best umbrella I ever owned!

March 13, 2009

Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)

Wow! That looks absolutely wonderful! I love meals like this. Simple and delicious!

What an amazing salad that you just whipped up. I can't wait to see your pictures!

March 13, 2009

Colleen

I made this tonight and it was just amazing!
Mixed in a bit of sauted kale.
Heidi --As an upstate New York resident I'd love your top 10 in San Fran. I feel fortunate to have visited your wonderful city twice so far in my 49 years - once before kids and once with 3 tween/teens. Both trips were the BEST! Love your inspiration!
Colleen

Thank you - perfect timing! I just made this to bring to a baby shower. Lovely contribution to an early spring lunch potluck!!
ps. Since you seem to visit Japan alot, do you have any tamago recipes? I love tamago and would love to be able to make it myself!

March 14, 2009

karishma

chickpea very nutrious so I like the way you cook.Soon I will try. Thanks.

I'm laughing to see that nithya at Hungry Desi had a comment. I just made her aloo paratha and this salad for dinner last night! Both a huge hit!

I made about 1-1/2 batches, and split it in two. One was dressed with the yogurt/curry dressing. To the other I added ricotta salata and then dressed it with oregano pesto (from having made your giant limas). Both wonderful! I admit I did skip the red onion--tend against raw onions in our house.

Thanks! It was a perfect birthday meal!

March 14, 2009

Sally Parry

This is to Mrs. Redboots. Look further into Coconut Oil. It is actually very good for you! There are many books about it and information on the internet. It tastes good too.
Eartha

March 14, 2009

Rose

Loved this salad! What an addicting dressing it makes. I used the lemon juice to thin out my Greek yogurt. So delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

This looks incredible and I can't wait to try it. This is definitely a tapas night dish!

March 14, 2009

Susan Lee

This was a very nice dish (i was disappointed before I put on the yogurt sauce). I did a few variations, as this was my main dish.
1) i cored and sliced and stir fried over high heat 1/2 head of cabbage (conventional kind) and added it after adding the chick peas to give this dish more (pale?) greens. Stir fried brussel sprouts would have been an alternative.
2) I added some tahini to the yogurt (can't help it with chickpeas)
3) served with fresh basmati rice (brown)

a very satifying but not too filling dinner for several!

March 14, 2009

Shannon Venable

My family isn't crazy about chickpeas. Would white beens work with this recipe? I can hardly wait to try it. Also, I can't find greek yogurt where I live. Can I use plain yogurt?

March 14, 2009

Liz Koppert

You are soo lucky to get to Japan; I've been wanting to go for years! I'd second everyone who wants to know more about your trip. And the salad looks absolutely mouth-watering...

Everyone enjoyed it, which surprised me because my kids usually dislike this kind of food.

Bravo!

March 14, 2009

Laura

Hi Heidi,

What a wonderful combination of flavors and textures this dish is! I made this yesterday evening, but something went slightly awry in my attempt. I found the chickpeas to be a little on the dry side, as if by sautéing them I had drained them of most of their moisture. Could this be that I had them on too low a temp for too long? Is the purpose of sautéing to caramelize them and make them sweet? Maybe I should add more water to the dressing? I will definitely give this dish a second go, because despite the mild dryness this salad was a hit!

All my best,
Laura

March 15, 2009

Melinda

Oh, this looks just delicious. I could eat chickpeas every day, so I need lots of recipes to feed my addiction!

To Trish in MO: I really dislike cilantro (sorry, Heidi!) and I always substitute Italian flat-leaf parsley. It doesn't really taste the same as cilantro, but the parsley has a nice freshness, and it's mild enough that it goes with almost anything.

March 15, 2009

Elizabeth Spragins

I already make a salad like this basically every day for lunch, with two critical differences: no leeks & I usually don't pan-fry the chickpeas. The addition of one of my favorite flavors--sautéed leeks--to the nuttiness of the pan-fried chickpeas makes it something to look forward to at noon! Yum!

March 15, 2009

gail

I have never "soaked" any bean ,.,always canned..I love chicpeas and always had them canned..is this "mind thought "the equilevant of eating canned green beans and not having a clue??(yuck yuck ) i hope not..but do the soaked beans really taste that much differently ??need to know as I will try it ..

March 15, 2009

Keira

Heidi, I wanted to let you know that I made your carrot salad, and artichoke dip for a party last night and they were spectacular! Your recipes always turn out wonderfully. Thank you!

This sounds like a great alternative to Tabouli. It still has lots of middle eastern flavors - curry, chickpeas, yogurt - but sounds much heartier and a little more savory. Thanks!

March 15, 2009

feroz khan

liked it vry much will try this today evening

March 16, 2009

Dionysia

great recipe for our autumn days here in Australia....

PS what is umeboshi paste( Nina's suggestion to use with coconut milk?)??

March 16, 2009

Alison

I made this recipe last night. It was fabulous! I added a chopped red bell pepper to it.

It was my first time cooking dried chickpeas. Very easy. I made a large batch and froze five additional cups of chickpeas in 1 cup increments. My question: what's the best way to thaw it? Refrigerator (time consuming); microwave (decrease quality?); running water?

This looks delicious. I have some jarred Indian curry paste in the fridge that needs to be used and my husband and I both love chickpeas--they tie with black beans for my favorite beans.

Ah, for the days of the farmers market in Minnesota--not until the middle of June! Then I can have leeks straight from the growers. I've got asparagus and broccoli waiting to be used, so you can guess how I'll adapt this.

Last comment--a query: What do you think about small, diced, browned potatoes? I like to make sure a meal like this has a combo of lean protein and complex carbs, especially since I'd attempt to one-pot it.

HS: Sounds delicious Erin.

March 16, 2009

Andrea

I made this yesterday and it was delicious!!! I plan to make it again soon. My grocery store didn't have any leeks, so I substituted green onions. It would have been better with leeks (I love them), but the green onions did the job just fine.

This was really simple and great. I topped with a little mango chutney I had in the fridge. Even though I love the flavor I haven't cooked much with leeks, so this was an easy introduction. Will definitely make again and again.

HS: I love the leeks too - I've been cooking more and more with them. Glad you liked them as well.

Could I use a variety of Indian spices instead of curry powder? If so, which ones & in what proportions?

Where do I get umeboshi plum paste (or plums for that matter)? I moved from the SF Bay area to southern NJ where the only ume plums I've found (at an Asian food store) are full of artificial colors & preservatives.

I like how you use chickpeas very often in your cooking. This is something I really need to start doing.

March 16, 2009

JWM

A friend recommended your site yesterday and we tried this delicious salad for dinner last night. It held up well in the fridge for lunch today and I know I'll be coming back daily for new inspiration!